Fiji seeks wealth from the sea

This article posted as it was published in Fijilive. There are some inaccuracies when it comes technical aspects.

Fiji is poised to gain significant economic and social benefits from access to greater ocean resources if the UN allows its submission to extend its territory (not territory but jurisdiction).

Fiji, and other countries who are seeking to enlarge (not really enlarge) their maritime sovereignty beyond the 200 miles exclusive economic zone, have until May 13 this year to stake their claim. With the proper scientific data, the successful claimants will be granted rights over the natural resources on and under the seabed up to 350 miles from land (it can be more than 350 nautical miles). Fiji is in the process of claiming continental shelf territory beyond 200 nautical miles in the South Fiji Basin area. Fijilive has been told that a Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee is preparing a claim for submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

An insider said that scientific studies have revealed the access to extended continental shelf could mean more access to mineral rich resources previously outside Fiji’s EEZ. “Securing greater maritime sovereignty can provide increased revenue for Fiji,” he said.